Kirby Bass

Kirby Kenneth Bass, 81, peacefully passed away in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, May 26, 2018, after a brief illness. He was born to the late Richard Carl Bass, Sr. and Hadassah Stoutamire Bass on September 11, 1936, in Arran, Florida, Wakulla County. When Kirby was still a young child, he moved with his parents and siblings to Tallahassee, Florida.

Kirby was an active member, usher of the Woodville First Baptist Church and was a Christian.

He graduated from Leon High School in 1956. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served actively for six years in numerous locations including Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Afterwards, he had a career in state government in Tallahassee, Florida, retiring on March 1, 1993. He was active in the Florida National Guard in Tallahassee, Florida. He retired from the military as a Sergeant First Class, serving for a total of 27 years. His highest award was the bronze star; this was awarded to Kirby, after being deployed to and serving in Operation Desert Storm.

Kirby is survived by and his memory cherished in the hearts of his wife Beth Cockerham Bass of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter Cheryl Bass Hamilton (Jimmy); grandson Josh Strickland and granddaughter Natalie Westerling, all of Tallahassee, Florida; sisters Joanne Bass Cox of Havana, Florida, Betty June Bass Koval of Whitehouse, Tennessee, Nell Reinhart and Betty Westberry of Thomasville, Georgia; brothers Gene (Gaile) Bass of Havana, Florida, and Woody Harrell of Whitehouse, Tennessee. Kirby is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

He will always be remembered by his caring nature, love of family and dear friends. Kirby had a passion for flying, soloing at the early age of 18. He was a generous man who loved life, camping, road trips, and spending time with his family and friends. Kirby loved volunteering at church and on numerous local projects. He liked joking around and having the last laugh. His beloved daughter, Cheryl, thought she was blessed with the best Dad.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, May 31st, at Woodville First Baptist Church at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the National Cemetery in Tallahassee, Florida, at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee, Florida.